Peenie Wallie: The publisher could not be verified

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April 17, 2008

The publisher could not be verified

Another reason I despise the Windows O/S is that it treats me like a housewife. Every time I try to run a .exe, it nags me with "The publisher could not be verified. Are you sure you want to run this software?"

The reason the publisher could not be verified is no doubt Microsoft's fault because this happens to every program I've ever run. No doubt MicroSoft demands some absurd Publisher Registration ritual along with exorbitant registration fees and annual maintenance as well. Why else would it be that publishers can never be verified. So, thanks for warning me Microsoft, but I'm sure it's your fault because you're a bunch of greedy b@stards. So, how about you never nag me again. As in never.

Annoyances.org has the solution:

Run gpedit.msc

Go to User Configuration >> Administrative Templates >> Windows Components >> Attachment
Manager

Add "*.exe" to the "Inclusion list for moderate risk file types" setting.

"This policy setting allows you to configure the list of moderate risk file types.
If the attachment is in the list of moderate risk file types and is from the restricted
or Internet zone, Windows prompts the user before accessing the file. ..."

In other words, this allows you to run an .exe from the Intranet zone without a prompt,
but it will warn before running one from the Internet.

(If you Google, a lot of people are instructing to add *.exe to the list of low-risk
file types, allowing .exe files to execute from anywhere on the internet. A lot of
other solutions that simply don't work are floating around as well.)